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Factors underlying the decision to move and choice of destination

Olaleye, Oluwole (2000-12)

Thesis (MPhil)--Stellenbosch University, 2000.

Thesis

ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The migratory flow of Africans to South Africa form the north of Africa was restrained
until the early 1990's. Before this period the political ideology of apartheid
discriminated against African immigrants, while favouring the migration of people of
European descent.
Although numerous studies have drawn attention to the implications of the influx of
African immigrants to South Africa and their socio-economic adaptation, not much
research has been done on reasons for international migration as provided by the
migrant. The demographic and economic implications of African migration not only
dominate most of the work in this field, but it even seems to be the only concern of
researchers investigating international immigration of Africans.
The study focuses on factors underlying the decision of African immigrants to
migrate to South Africa and who choose Cape Town as their place of destination.
Data from in-depth interviews are analysed to determine the motivations for
migration to Cape Town. Attention is being paid to the circumstances in the migrants'
home countries that motivated their decision to emigrate, the role of social networks
in providing information regarding the choice of destination and migration routes, the
obstacles they encountered, their adaptation in Cape Town and their perceptions of
Cape Town as a place of permanent residence.
From the literature review on reasons for migration, is emerges that there are two
dominant theoretical approaches (i.e. macro and micro theories) for explaining why
international migration begins. The macro theories focus on migration stream,
identifying the conditions under which large-scale movements take place and
describing the demographic, economic and social characteristics of the migrants in
aggregate terms. Micro theories focus on the socio-psychological factors that
differentiate migrants from non-migrants, together with theories of motivation,
decision-making, satisfaction and identification. Although each theory ultimately
seeks to explain the same phenomenon, they employ different concepts,
assumptions and frames of reference. The various explanations offered are not
necessarily contradictory in nature but are, in fact, a reflection of how social realities could be studied and understood from various angles. This study employs an
eclectic approach by using insights from both macro and micro levels of analysis.
The study also considers the appropriateness of a qualitative research design in
researching specific aspects of migration and employs a qualitative case study
method. This method allows for a deeper reflection on the part of the individual on
factors responsible for their decision to move. Semi-structured in-depth interviews
have been conducted with four African immigrants in the central business district of
Cape Town.
The study found that in certain instances the immigrants migrate for different
reasons, but under similar circumstances. It emerged from the case material that the
same issues sometimes hold different significance for each migrant. One aspect
shared by all four immigrants, is that it seems that circumstances in their countries of
origin forced them to move and that they did have much of a choice - their lives were
threatened. Their relatively high level of training and access to funding most probably
assisted them in their move. Those people in not such a favourable position are left
behind. The study also found that exchange and free flow of information and social
networks directs destination of movement, rather than determine whether migration
takes place. However, the information immigrants receive is not always correct and
tends not to focus on the negative aspects of immigration.
Once in Cape Town the immigrants felt isolated, experienced prejudice, and suffered
hostility and discrimination at the hands of South Africans. It appears that many
South Africans do not distinguish between asylum seekers, refugees and economic
migrants. The common denominator of their "foreignness" appears to be all that is
necessary for many to harbour negative attitudes. Xenophobia not only manifests
itself in negative attitudes, but also increasingly in victimisation against the
immigrants. Because of these factors and the problems they experience in finding
jobs where they can apply their skills, the immigrants indicated that they do not
intend staying permanently in South Africa.